SURREY, BC (PGA of British Columbia) – Three applicants to the PGA of Canada successfully achieved target scores during the PGA of BC’s Summer Playing Ability Test (PAT) held Thursday and Friday at Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, taking a significant step in their career aspirations as Golf Professionals.

Applicants participating in the 36-hole event needed to record a two-round total of 155 or better for their Exit Score (Class “A” standard), or 160 for their Entry Score (Candidate for Membership standard), calculated based upon the course rating multiplied by two, plus 15 and 20 strokes, respectively.

Benjamin Richards (Morgan Creek Golf Course) completed the event at 78-76 – 154 to achieve the Exit Pass Score. Tim Gu (Golf Town – Richmond) carded back-to-back rounds of 79 to achieve an Entry Pass Score at 158, while Fritz Lo (Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club) went 81-78 – 159 over the two days to do the same.

Richards has now completed the PGA of Canada’s playing ability requirements to clear a major hurdle in obtaining his Candidate for Membership status. Gu and Lo are also close to obtaining their CFM status following their results, and will have future opportunities to achieve Class “A” playing ability requirements.

The successful participants said the event carried some pressure during two breezy days at Hazelmere.

“I really had to stick to a game plan and hit a lot more irons than I was expecting,” said Richards, who was making his first PAT attempt. “It was a good, challenging course to do it at.”

Gu said he felt great to earn his Entry Pass Score after coming up just short of the standard in the past, overcoming some late struggles in both rounds to meet the mark.

“No. 17 and 18 were both pretty challenging to me, I would just think too much when I got to the last two holes,” he said. “Next year, I’ll come again (for my Exit Score) and hopefully it will be here (at Hazelmere).”

Applicants who did not meet target scores this week will have further opportunities throughout the year to achieve their playing ability requirements at events sanctioned as PATs throughout the province.